Gary Payton says he has been elected to the Hall of Fame

By Matt Moore | NBA writer

April 5, 2013 2:54 PM ET

(Getty Images, illustration by EOB)

NBA.com spoke with Sonics legend Gary Payton, who confirmed that he has been notified of his induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The finalists will be announced Monday and are expected to include college coach Rick Pitino and Knicks legend Bernard King, among others.

The announcement of Payton's announcement later this year will come as the team he spent the most time with, the Seattle Supersonics, are on the verge of reappearing in Seattle. Payton spent 12 1/2 seasons with the Sonics, including a Finals appearance. Payton is fourth all-time in steals in NBA history.